A section of Spotland Bridge is the latest to become a conservation area because of its historical and architectural importance.

Voted in by councillors on Thursday, the urgent order has been made to give buildings such as the former Mellor Street textile mill - later home to the Alexander Drew's plant - immediate protection from the bulldozers.

It will become permanent if it is given the go-ahead following a public consultation.

Putting the case forward, Councillor Elwyn Watkins, chairman of Rochdale Township action committee, the body which approved the plans, said he had already supported similar measures taken in areas such as Maclure Road, which has prevented the demolition of the fire station's water tower and Trub Farm in Castleton.

He said: "I want to see the buildings around Spotland Bridge given similar protection.

"The order covers several old mills which are part of Rochdale's history.

"We don't want to look back in 50 years' time and regret the loss of such buildings."

The order was made after the council received both formal and informal requests to demolish buildings such as the old Mellor Street mill and the Dexine plant situated at the former Spotland New Mill.

It protects an area stretching from the bottom of Edenfield Road to parts of Spotland Road and Mellor Street.

But the order has both 'pros and cons' according to Councillor Barbara Todd.

"I have mixed feelings," she said.

"On the one hand, I see that it could be used to protect important buildings like the old police station in Bridgefold Road.

"I would like to see it extended even further to what was once my doctor's surgery and later the After Eight restaurant as it is a distinctive building.

"But, at the same time, I don't see why we need to preserve some of the old mills and would want some of these areas to be re-developed," she added.

"One of these sites in Bridgefold Road is currently being re-developed for housing and it is a scheme that I approve of."